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Snap-on's NEXIQ Raises the Bar on eTechnician Fleet Management Communications by Integrating the Award-Winning KYOCERA 200 Module
KYOCERA-Powered Prism Telematics On Board Unit Boosts Communication Abilities and Improves Fleet Management Capability for Users
SAN DIEGO and AUBURN HILLS, MI - (September 27, 2005) - Kyocera Wireless Corp., a leading global manufacturer of CDMA wireless handsets and devices, and Snap-on Incorporated's NEXIQ Technologies, a leading provider of diagnostic and telematics products, solutions and services for the automotive and commercial vehicle industries, today announced that NEXIQ has integrated the award-winning Kyocera 200 Module in its Prism® Telematics On Board Unit (OBU) to improve wireless data communication for the NEXIQ eTechnician fleet and vehicle management solution. The Kyocera integration enables real-time communication from virtually anywhere and has been approved for use with QConnect, QUALCOMM's managed network service.The Kyocera-enhanced Prism OBU collects and sends critical vehicle information via CDMA wireless technology to the NEXIQ eTechnician vehicle telematic ASP (application service provider) Web site. The eTechnician site allows manufacturers, owners and/or operators of commercial vehicles to remotely access vehicle operating data, perform diagnostics and configure equipment from the road, office or service bay. The Kyocera 200 Module integration has significantly advanced the NEXIQ Prism OBU functionality by enabling anytime, virtually anywhere communication ability for critical vehicle and fleet information including: diagnostic data communications for all electronically controlled components such as engines, transmissions, and braking systems; vehicle location (mapping & tracking); vehicle mileage capture and fuel economy; route management and more.
"Integrating Kyocera's proven CDMA communications module into our eTechnician platform enables us to provide Snap-on/NEXIQ customers with a low-cost and efficient system for gathering real-time vehicle information and managing fleets from the time a vehicle leaves the yard until it returns," said Paul Geere President OEM Solutions, Snap-on North America. "As fuel and delivery costs continue to rise, we are able to provide Snap-on, the leader in commercial vehicle diagnostics, with added value for its customers. The ability to provide fleet operators with a way to manage vehicles and driver performance in the field ultimately saves resources and allows customers to maintain a competitive edge in the marketplace."
NEXIQ eTechnician and the Prism OBU with Kyocera's 200 Module have recently been adopted by Snap-on's Diagnostics and Information Group, which maintains one of the strongest vehicle information databases in the world and is a large provider of diagnostic repair solutions and products. Snap-on can now offer a rugged and scalable fleet management and diagnostics tool to its varied customers, including Fortune 1000 organizations and government entities in industries such as fabrication and assembly, utilities, maintenance, aerospace and aviation, and electronics.
"By integrating the Kyocera 200 Module in its Prism OBU, NEXIQ is providing a more sophisticated level of communications ability for The Snap-on/NEXIQ eTechnician product," said Dean Fledderjohn, general manager M2M division, Kyocera Wireless Corp. "Working with a Fortune 500 company such as Snap-on along with its fleet customers, partners and contractors will be a significant force in expanding the role of CDMA technology and improving fleet management capabilities for the commercial vehicle field."
About the Kyocera 200 Module
The Kyocera 200 Module is designed to enable M2M and telemetry applications such as vehicle location, SCADA, asset tracking, remote metering or security, wireless vending, exception reporting and wireless point-of-sale terminals. The module is equipped with tri-mode capability (including AMPS), A-GPS position location capability and support for IS-2000 data rates. Other features and functions include two-way Short Messaging Service (SMS) capabilities; simple and mobile IP; AT command interface; dual UARTs; analog audio; two RF connectors; high-speed packet and circuit-switched data; and support for both 13k QCELP and EVRC vocoders.
The developer's kit and programming tools to support integration of wireless capability into OEM products and systems are available for purchase by module customers. For additional information, please visit www.kyocera-wireless.com/m2m-business.
About Kyocera Wireless Corp.
Kyocera Wireless Corp. is a leading supplier of innovative, feature-rich CDMA wireless devices and accessories for customers worldwide. Kyocera Wireless maintains an operating belief in the genius of simplicity and strives to make the wireless experience as simple and intuitive as humanly possible. The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Kyocera International Inc., which acquired QUALCOMM Incorporated's CDMA consumer wireless phone business in February 2000. Based in San Diego, the company is ISO-14001 and ISO-9001 certified and has won city, state and federal awards for its environmentally friendly manufacturing and recycling practices. For more information, please visit www.kyocera-wireless.com.
Kyocera Corporation (NYSE: KYO), the parent and global headquarters of the Kyocera Group, was founded in 1959 as a producer of advanced ceramics. By combining these engineered materials with metals and plastics, and integrating them with other technologies, Kyocera has become a leading supplier of telecommunications equipment, semiconductor packages, electronic components, cameras, laser printers, copiers, solar energy systems and industrial ceramics. During the year ended March 31, 2005, Kyocera Corporation's consolidated net sales totaled approximately US$11 billion (JP¥ 1,180,655 million) with net income of approximately US$429 million (JP¥ 45,908 million).
About NEXIQ
NEXIQ Technologies is a leading provider of diagnostic and telematics products, solutions and services for the automotive and commercial vehicle industries. With more than 25 years in the heavy-duty vehicle market, NEXIQ is the market sector's leading provider of service bay diagnostic scan tools, including the Pro-Link GRAPHIQ system. Additionally, NEXIQ offers an industry-leading telematics product, eTechnician. More information about NEXIQ and its product lines can be found at www.nexiq.com.
NEXIQ is part of Snap-on Incorporated, a leading global developer, manufacturer and marketer of tool and equipment solutions for professional tool users. Product lines include hand and power tools, diagnostics and shop equipment, tool storage products, diagnostics software and other solutions for the transportation service, industrial, government, education, agricultural, and other commercial applications, including construction and electrical. Products are sold through its franchised dealer van, company-direct sales and distributor channels, as well as over the Internet at snapon.com. Founded in 1920, Snap-on is a $2 billion-plus, S&P 500 company headquartered in Kenosha, Wis., and employs approximately 11,500 people worldwide.
About Snap-on
Snap-on Incorporated is a leading global innovator, manufacturer and marketer of tool, diagnostic and equipment solutions for professional tool users. Products are sold through its franchised dealer van, company-direct sales and distributor channels, as well as over the Internet. Founded in 1920, Snap-on is headquartered in Kenosha, Wisconsin. For more information, please visit www.snapon.com.
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